Zambia: Tourism Sector an Economic Solution

TOURISM has become important to the Zambian economy where Government is looking to the sector to provide solution to the country's social and economic development.

The tourism sector is mainly based on wildlife tourism, Victoria Falls and Lake Tanganyika.

The overall Zambian tourism boasts of world-leading natural sites which include Kafue National Park, the second largest in Africa, South Luangwa National Park, which has a high animal density and diversity,

Others include the Victoria Falls World Heritage Site and one of the seven natural wonders of the world, Lake Kariba, the largest man-made lake in the world and Lake Tanganyika; and Zambezi River which runs across south-central Africa.

However, beside these natural attractions, the sector is supported by tourism sports and adventure.

Some of the sports and adventure includes Bunjee jumping done at the Victoria Falls bridge.

With the Falls behind you and the river rushing below the Victoria Falls Bridge this is certainly no ordinary bungi jump. At 111 metres, it is also one of the highest jumps in the world and the adrenaline rush is as wild as the river itself.

Bridge Swing

Freefall for close to 70 metres before you fly out over the rapids of the mighty Zambezi in a huge arc.

This is a swing like few others, and one that will leave you grinning from ear to ear. What a thrill!

A tandem swing is also available for those who feel the need for some company, or a little moral support.

Bridge Slide

This is a family orientated activity which is great fun for both kids and parent alike.

Some call it a Flying Fox, some a Foofie Slide, but for us it's the Bridge Slide, a 300m ride across the top of the Batoka Gorge with the Zambezi River 111m below.

Abseiling

There are 3 ways to release adrenaline by going over the edge of a cliff face.

Slide 53 meters down the gorge on the end of a rope either facing the cliff face or looking down into the void. The walk out is up quite a steep slope but it is not far.

Flying Fox - is a cable slide across the gorge high above the floor. You can sit on the 'chair' or be strapped, face down, looking at the ground far below as you fly across the gorge. No walk out is necessary because you are pulled back.

Gorge Swing - Fling yourself over the edge in a body harness falling some 50 meters and swinging right across the gorge and back until the momentum runs out and you are lowered to the ground to walk out.

You may spend a whole day doing all three activities as often as you wish. Start early in the morning and spend 8 ½ hours dropping over the edge and climbing back up again.

Commercial rafting first commenced on the Zambezi River in 1981 and since then this activity has grown in popularity to the point where a rafting trip on the Zambezi is now a regular feature in many tourist itineraries, and is now internationally acclaimed as the best one-day white water rafting trip available in the world.

We have the only guiding team on the Zambezi who are all accredited by the International Rafting Federation.

The morning section of the river is classified as Grade five "extremely difficult, long and violent rapids, steep gradients, big drops and pressure areas".

The afternoon section is slightly less challenging and is of a lower grade.

River Boarding

River boarding originated in Queenstown, New Zealand in 1989 and was introduced to the Zambezi Gorge in 1996 by Safari Par Excellence.

River boarding is part of their commitment to being the White Water Specialists of the Zambezi.

Canoeing safaris

The Upper Zambezi River is a beautiful place for canoeing, with stunning vegetation such as ebonies, water berries, palms and a tremendous variety of acacia and Albizia.

The rapids are small and at their peak are only classed as grade two, which is the second easiest grade.

The Canoe Trail whilst operated in Zambia passes through National Parks located in Zimbabwe, and the pristine bush land of Zambia where there is a possibility of chances to see game such as hippo, crocodile, elephant, giraffe and numerous birdlife.

Elephant back rides

Zambezi Elephant Trails has established Zambia's first "Elephant Camp" - offering a once in a lifetime insight into these gentle giants.

Together with this ecologically friendly method of game viewing, a strong emphasis is placed on an Elephant experience rather than just an Elephant ride and guests are encouraged to interact with these majestic and intelligent African mammals.

The training techniques used by Zambezi Elephant Trails are based on the positive reinforcement method as opposed to the controversial "discipline and submission" technique commonly associated with Asian Elephants.

Flights over Victoria Falls

Helicopter, both short and long flights are available (approximately 15 and 30 minutes).

The short flight circuits over The Falls, offering superb views from every angle. The long flight goes over the gorge below The Falls, skimming above the rapids of the Zambezi River.

Coming out of the gorge the flight then circuits The Falls and finishes off by flying over the Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park in the hope of spotting some of Africa's big game such as elephant and rhino.

Zambezi Raft Float

The Raft Float activity takes place on the Upper Zambezi River above Victoria Falls, Zambia, ideal for groups who want something a little calmer than the extreme of the white water rafting.

Quad Bike

Discover the spectacular landscapes surrounding Livingstone and the Batoka Gorge on all-terrain quad bikes, catering for either novice or experienced rider. Under the supervision of a qualified guide, clients can get to experience the amazing views and wildlife of the area.

Quad bike trips vary from bush track riding, experiencing local village life and Quad bike eco safaris

Jet Boat

An exhilarating jet boat ride in the lower gorges of the Zambezi River is based at Rapid 25, they also have a cable car, which is a far superior way to get in and out of the gorge than having to trek the 220 metre cliff face.

This makes the Jet boat easily accessible to all ages and abilities. The boat is a custom built, super twin, 22 seater 700 HP Jet Boat and provides a thrilling ride - buzzing rocks, jet spinning and crashing through the huge rapids of the Mighty Zambezi River.

River Safaris

Unique propeller-free safari boats will take you to remote places that no other craft can reach, allowing for close-up game viewing.

Experience the wide, winding river, the myriad of islands and narrow channels above the Falls.

Royal Livingstone Express

The Royal Livingstone Express offers the discerning guests the ultimate fine dining experience going back in time to the age of steam train travel.

Luxury steam train dining as you travel on the historic Mulobezi Railway line, formerly one of the largest private rail networks in the world.

The train itself consists of 5 carriages restored by Rohan Vos of Rovos Rail and pulled by either Locomotive 156 or Locomotive 204 and is fully air conditioned.

Other activities include boat cruise, bush dinners, lion walks and encounter, crocodile farm tours and horseback safaris. The rest are Golf, Interactive Tour of Victoria Falls, Monde Village Visit, Night Sky Presentation, Steam Train Bridge Sundowner, Sundowner Raft Drift.

Tours of the Falls Tour of Livingstone Town, the Railway Museum, Tour of the David Livingstone, Museum, Vic Falls Arts and Crafts and weddings.

  • Comment

Copyright © 2013 The Times of Zambia. All rights reserved. Distributed by AllAfrica Global Media (allAfrica.com). To contact the copyright holder directly for corrections — or for permission to republish or make other authorized use of this material, click here.

AllAfrica aggregates and indexes content from over 130 African news organizations, plus more than 200 other sources, who are responsible for their own reporting and views. Articles and commentaries that identify allAfrica.com as the publisher are produced or commissioned by AllAfrica.

Comments Post a comment